2/15/2012 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- An annual Air Force-wide savings and debt reduction campaign, sponsored by the Department of Defense in conjunction with the Consumer Federation of America, is scheduled to begin here Feb. 19 and runs through Feb. 26.

"Military Saves is a program designed towards encouraging personnel to save money," said Kathleen Vaillancourt, a community readiness consultant at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. "People who have a savings plan save twice as much as those who do not."

The A&FRC will host a number of events planned to commemorate Military Saves Week and to promote the theme of this year's activities, "set a goal, make a plan and save automatically."

Two events designed to promote the theme are Money Wise Internet Café Nights planned at the A&FRC.

"The café nights will each have a teaching component and be internet driven," said Vaillancourt. "Personnel who attend will have fun learning about finances and also have an opportunity to win prizes."

The first night, with a focus on retirement strategies, will take place Feb. 21 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The second night, highlighting money management, will take place Feb. 22 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

In addition, Budget Bucket information tables will be set up Feb. 21 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Fitness Center and 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Building 1305; Feb. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hanscom Exchange; and Feb. 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Minuteman Commons.

Finally, Saving Money and Painting Pigs is scheduled at the School Age Program and Youth Center on Feb. 24.

To register for the Money Wise Internet Café Nights or for more information on any of the events planned, call the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 781-225-2765 or email 66.fss.fsfr.cmb@hanscom.af.mil.